Hi all, let me start by saying that it is my fault for going -6k without an oil change. I really did not notice, this is my first Mini and I am used to being notified by a specific indicator, not to mention that I do a lot more driving now due to a change in position at work and I was racking up a lot more miles than I thought.

With that said, I got a check engine light (the one with the slash going through it) and power was reduced. Took it in for service and they told me that the oil was all slugged and it clogged up the turbo and that Mini didn't want to cover the repair under warranty because they said it was owner neglect and they quoted me a ridiculously high price to fix it.

Anyone have any advice? Any shops they'd recommend preferably in the North NJ area? Or any Mini mechanics that do work "on the side." Anyone know the estimated labor hours to replace the turbo?

What's weird is that before I took it in for service, aside from the light and the reduced power, the car wasn't making any noises or stalling. After I picked it up (they changed the oil) it is now very noisy and jerky/stalling when I slow down. I asked the mechanic at the Mini dealer why it was worse now than when I brought it in and he said that it was because of the new oil which makes no sense to me. The mechanic also said there's a small chance that it could clear up in a few days. Any thoughts on any of this?

If the oil was as they said all clogged and gunged up, they really ought to have used a flushing oil first, although this may or may not be a good thing.
Good in that it washes and frees up all the old oil for removal, bad because it can stir up all the bits of sediment and circulate it around the engine, although the filter should pick out most of it, but not if its all clogged as the pressure relief will operate allowing unfiltered oil to circulate.
Dirty oil can then partially block the small oilways in the engine interrupting/reducing the flow, the engine management system may be able to recognise this ?

did you buy the car new? oil intervals are 15k. if it has new vehicle warranty they cant not cover it. i would talk to the GM of the dealership and let him know that you will contact mini of north america about your issue. it usually works. they will either goodwill it or pay for 50% of the cost.